Study Protocol of Validation of a Mobile Sound Application for Noise Measurement in The Manufacturing Industry in Klang Valley, Malaysia
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Abstract
Introduction: To prevent occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), sound level meter (SLM) has been mandated by legislation to measure noise level in the workplace. However, the SLM is expensive and the calibration process is labour-intensive. To look for a cost-effective, convenient, and accurate alternative, this study aims to determine the validity and reliability of the NIOSH sound level application for noise measurement in manufacturing industry in Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study is scheduled in September 2024. A manufacturing factory will be purposively chosen, in which 33 noise measurements will be taken by both SLM (as gold standard) and the NIOSH sound level application (installed in an iPhone). Three parameters including average noise level (LAeq), maximum sound level (LMax), and 8-hour time-weighted average (8-hour TWA) will be recorded from each measurement. The effectiveness of the NIOSH sound level application will be evaluated against the SLM via concurrent validity (using Pearson's correlation coefficient) and intra-rater reliability (using intraclass correlation coefficient). Discussion: Upon establishing the validity and reliability of the NIOSH sound level application, it is anticipated that it could serve as a valuable alternative to SLMs, which would enhance noise surveillance and potentially reduce the prevalence of occupational NIHL within the manufacturing industry. Trial Registration: Ethical approval for the present study has been granted by the Ethics Committee of the National University of Malaysia (JEP-2024-071).
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